Tent Recommendations

[ccarm]

If you want a solid setup for backpacking, you can't go wrong with Mountain Hardwear. It's a little pricey, but I've used mine (lightpath 3) for about four years on all sorts of trips. Super lightweight very durable, and fits my huge 6'4" body comfortably.

 

[ttora4runner]

Ended up at the Outdoor Retailer Show today thanks for Kurt and did manage to look at some of the tents that were displayed. After looking at these tents I got some more research to do, some nice tents.

JakPak (jacket/tent combo) - I don't think this one quite fits the bill but kind of intereseting.

MSR

MSR - Hoop

Nemo

The small pack near the entry is how small the tent folds up into. I kind of like that.

This was one of the tent supports that Nemo was displaying. Basically just an air bladder of sorts instead of the traditional tent poles. I'm quite sure I'm sold on this.

Easton - Wish I would've gotten a photo of the poles but Easton has a line of tent poles that was half the weight of aluminum poles.

I was hoping for more tents and things but this was all they had. Now if I wanted socks or footwear this was the place to be.

 

[MuckSavage]

Eureka Timberline. I got mine in 1980 when I was a Boy Scout. Back then, I used it 1 weekend a month for years. I still use it today, but only about 6 times per year. Some time ago, a zipper broke, and the shock chord broke in the ridge pole, but it's still useable (I replaced the zipper, Eureka sent it to me free)

 

[ccarm]

Eureka Timberline. I got mine in 1980 when I was a Boy Scout. Back then, I used it 1 weekend a month for years. I still use it today, but only about 6 times per year. Some time ago, a zipper broke, and the shock chord broke in the ridge pole, but it's still useable (I replaced the zipper, Eureka sent it to me free)

I used this same setup all through Scouts as well. Some of the toughest and longest lasting tents that I've ever used. A little on the heavy side for backpacking, but if you are working out of your rig, it is a great tent.

 

[cosmic88]

As one who uses tents in various ways I thought my $0.02 could help. I camp in all seasons, in any climate and both drive and backpack.

If backpacking (5-10 milesperday) get an expensive, lightweight and very strong tent like Mountain Hardware, Sierra Designs, or MSR (just my favorites and I'v used them all). A pound or two difference in overall weight will make a huge difference after 15,000 steps taken. :ylsmoke: and if you are backpacking with a partner, split up the tent to each carry about half the weight. One with the poles and fly the other with the ground cloth and tent.

When a company says "three person tent" what they really mean is 2 people with packs and additional gear... or 3 people who are extremely comfortable with one another and all gear is left outside or in a vestibule which will get wet with rain.

If a vehicle is used to get from site to site then get a tent from pretty much any manufacturer with a well proven reputation. No need to get the Eddie Bauer 3 bedroom condo with a loft and foyer since you have the vehicle for gear storage... unless of course you need that sort of spacious accomodation when you are in the wilderness.

 

[Streakerfreak]

I'm in need of a new tent also. My 15 year old Timberline finally kicked the bucket back on a trip to VT last October. Great tent, but I am ready to try something different.

I'm piss poor broke though and need to keep the tent under $200, which is pushing it for me. It needs to be 2 person and 3 season.

I keep coming back to the Marmot Limelight 2. Does anyone have any experience with it?

 

[Ace Brown]

I have spent a lifetime using dozens of tents and am always looking for something better. Current tent design favors lots of mesh fabric in the tent body, some are nearly all mesh. Beside better air flow there are cost reasons as the mesh is both cheaper than solid and I have heard its easier to sew. However mostly mesh tents are terrible for desert use unless the wind never blows. I have a Mountain Hardware 3-man tent which is great in about all conditions except winter and dusty conditions. Twice I have spent a couple of days with near constant 40 mph winds in the Utah desert and the tent was constantly filled with blowing dust and sand. It used to be common to have zip open panels on 3-season tents and they were great for regulating and even blocking sand intrusion, however added labor cost seems to have killed that option. 4-season tents can still be had with openable panels but they are rediculously expensive and have poor venting for summer use. Another feature I require is pole clips. Pole sleeves can be just about impossible to set up solo, especially in larger models.

After lots of looking I have narrowed my search to an Eureka Timberline SQ Outfitter. This is a major redesign of the venerable Timberline. Now uses ultra-light Easton poles with a spreader bar at top to give more interior space. It does have mesh panels but they are quite small and high on the tent body so I think they would be less prone to sand intrusion. On the 4-man model both doors open fully so venting would be great when needed. Also important on this tent is low weight and compact carry size as compared to the typical canvas tent often associated with overlanding, such as the Oz-tent. The Outfitter model has a very HD floor which is nearly thorn proof.

Another good tent for desert camping is a Tent-cot. I have had two over the past 3 years, the Oversize and Compact models. Oversize was very comfortable but I finally got tired of the bulk and weight and sold it when the Compact model was released. Its a few pounds lighter but folds up to the size of a typical camp-cot. Both tents are good for desert use because they can be closed up tight or opened wide with lots of zippable venting. Biggest advantage is that they sit about 12" off the ground which allows all the dust and sand to blow under the tent, not in it. Also that height discourages the crawly critter from trying to crawl into that warm bag. Another big plus is very fast set up and they can be re-positioned anywhere; like near the fire, in the shade, to watch the sunrise, etc. Rocky or wet ground, no problem.

All the above applies to truck camping and I would not use a typical backpacking tent for such use. Why limit yourself to a small, cramped shelter when you have lots of space in your rig?

Alan

 

[Deleted member 12023]

REI Half Dome. Can't go wrong.

This is the new model from what I have, but it is similar.
http://www.rei.com/product/794294

 

[pete.wilson]

Hey

I have a Columbia Bugaboo which has been very good for my family. Has anyone used an Oztent? I loved the 30sec. setup and takedown idea.

Pete Wilson

 

[ol' scott]

Good replies so far, here is my 2 cents:

I've camping in Timberline's for many nights, probably for the same reasons as those above. Great tents that last forever if treated well. I've only seen them fail once and that was in the middle of a field with 50+ mph winds. The only tent that didn't fail was my Sierra Designs tent that was well tied out and low to the ground.

For my it's a mixture of various Sierra Designs tents, and nothing else.

Stay away from the Eureka Tetragone (sp?). We bought a couple of those thinking we'd love the interior room we were missing with the Timberline (the slopped walls on the TL really cramp you in there). The Tetragone is fine for no wind, no rain, etc. conditions but nothing I'd want to be in even during a light rain shower. YMMV

Moral of the story: No matter what tent you buy, always guy it down, always stake it down, etc. The best tents in the world won't work if not set up correctly.

 

[Hitent]

Great tent I kno of!

I have been using Coleman Montana 4 and its excellent, doesnt have sloppy walls .
Footprint about 9';x7' will take 3-4 people easily. If at all there are more suggestion you are after you may vising Coleman OR Testfreaks for some more idea about similar items. I hope this helps. Regards.

 

[ttora4runner]

I have spent a lifetime using dozens of tents and am always looking for something better. Current tent design favors lots of mesh fabric in the tent body, some are nearly all mesh. Beside better air flow there are cost reasons as the mesh is both cheaper than solid and I have heard its easier to sew. However mostly mesh tents are terrible for desert use unless the wind never blows. I have a Mountain Hardware 3-man tent which is great in about all conditions except winter and dusty conditions. Twice I have spent a couple of days with near constant 40 mph winds in the Utah desert and the tent was constantly filled with blowing dust and sand. It used to be common to have zip open panels on 3-season tents and they were great for regulating and even blocking sand intrusion, however added labor cost seems to have killed that option. 4-season tents can still be had with openable panels but they are rediculously expensive and have poor venting for summer use. Another feature I require is pole clips. Pole sleeves can be just about impossible to set up solo, especially in larger models.


An
All the above applies to truck camping and I would not use a typical backpacking tent for such use. Why limit yourself to a small, cramped shelter when you have lots of space in your rig?

Alan

Ya, that's what I've noticed about alot of tents is the mesh sides on them which I'm not a big fan of. Having a little bit of the mesh up top is more to my liking.

I do camp/sleep in my vehicle on occassion but I also like being up to set up a base camp and I enjoy sleeping in a tent.


Looking at Easton's catalog they list an all-season and 4 season tent. What's the difference? If it's all season should'n't be 4 season.

 

[LACamper]

I think the eastons use fiberglass poles. I'd be worried about splintering. I'm going from memory here though...

I've used a Eureka a frame for years with no problems. Then again I'm not camping in desert, mainly MS and NC.

 

[Christophe Noel]

I think the eastons use fiberglass poles. I'd be worried about splintering. I'm going from memory here though...

I've used a Eureka a frame for years with no problems. Then again I'm not camping in desert, mainly MS and NC.

Easton, as in Easton Aluminum. They are first and foremost a manufacturer of premium aluminum products from baseball bats and golf clubs, to arrows, bike frame tubing to snowshoes and....tent poles. Their tents are very nice.

I'll make the additional plug for Nemo tents. There may be no finer manufacturer on the market right now for lighter weight packing tents. These days, the difference between a "good" tent and a truly "great" tent might be an increase in price of 20-30%, but that's really worth it don't you think? Sure doesn't hurt that Nemo Equipment is a small company piloted by people firmly involved in the overland scene.

 

[taugust]

After years of camping in the desert and mountains and using cheap tents, I finally broke down and bought the Cabelas XPG Deluxe 4 person tent.Cabelas XPG Deluxe 4 person tent

The main thing for me was good ventilation, good fly for the windy/dusty conditions and aluminum poles. More than once I have had a tent flattened in the wind and it always destroys the fiberglass poles. I figure with the full coverage fly, I can block the bottom to prevent dust incursion. I have used it once and it is very sturdy, even without the guylines staked. I paid about $200 after special and free shipping offers.